Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-9

Reading Check

1. Where is the family traveling at the start of the novel?

2. What is the name of the creature that steals the journal?

3. Who escaped from the bottle tree?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is strange about the symbol on Eddie’s journal? What does the symbol represent?

2. What happens when Tristan attempts to punch Gum Baby?

3. What is unique about many of the citizens of MidPass?

4. Why does Tristan choose to go after Fox instead of leaving him behind?

Paired Resource

“Bottle Trees: A Beautiful Tradition With a Spiritual Past”

• This article describes the history and purpose of the bottle trees that Tristan sees when the family arrives in Alabama.
• This information connects to the theme of The Cultural Context of Black Folklore.
• How is this tradition similar to one in another culture? Can you think of any other groups of people who have a similar folklore?

CHAPTERS 10-22

Reading Check

1. According to the myth, when did Africans lose their power to fly?

2.